PRAYER

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Some say they do not pray because they do not know how.  Others say they feel what they have to say in prayer would not be significant to God.  Some pray, but hesitantly and awkwardly because they feel intimidated.  Whatever your prayer life looks like now, I am asking you to consider a regular prayer life as something you add to your spiritual life this Lenten season.

Prayer is a form of communication.  It is just that this communication is with your Creator.  As with any meaningful relationship we all know how important communication is.  Imagine if you did not speak to those around you who you consider the most important people in your life.  What if they could not tell you what you meant to them or vice versa.  In order to grow close to someone, we need to communicate how we feel and what we need.  Most importantly, know that God wants this communication between the two of you more than anything!

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to pray without being anxious, to pray about everything, and to pray with thankful hearts. God will answer all such prayers with the gift of His peace. The proper way to pray is to pour out our heart to God, being honest and open with God, as He already knows us better than we know ourselves. We are to present our requests to God, keeping in mind that God knows what is best and will not grant a request that is not His will for us. We are to express our love, gratitude, and worship to God in prayer without worrying about having just the right words to say. God is more interested in the content of our hearts than the eloquence of our words.  

Sample prayer:  Father God, we thank you for all that you are. You know our hearts and you know our minds.  Love us, guide us and protect us from the sin and danger of this world and continue to watch over us, just as a loving parent watches over their child.  Forgive us for what we have done wrong and help us to live according to your will.  In your loving name, we pray.  AMEN.


Bryan Holmes

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